What Is Robbery?

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Generally, robbery is the theft of another person’s property through the threat of, or use of force. 

Under Pennsylvania law, a person is guilty of robbery if, among other things, in the course of committing a theft, they:

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• Inflict serious bodily injury,

• Threaten another with, or intentionally put them in fear of immediate serious bodily injury,

• Physically takes or removes property from a person by force. 
   

Depending on the specific circumstances, a robbery charge can be a first-, second-, or third-degree offense. Any of these is considered a felony with jail time. You could face years of imprisonment, parole, and probation. Robbery is considered a serious violent crime, and any charge should be handled by an experienced attorney to provide the best possible defense. 
 

Terroristic Threats in PA

The crime of making a terroristic threat in PA is very serious. Even the lowest degree of the crime carries a potential prison term of 5 years. Simply, a terroristic threat is a threat of a violent act against another person intended to terrorize them.

Under Pennsylvania law 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Section. 2706, a person commits the crime of terroristic threats if the person communicates, either directly or indirectly, a threat to:
 

• Commit any crime of violence with intent to terrorize another;

• Cause evacuation of a building, place of assembly, or public transportation facility; or

• Otherwise cause terror or serious public inconvenience with reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror or inconvenience.
   

Although the elements of the crime may be broad, with the right defense attorney, the prosecutor may have difficulty proving you committed the crime. This is because speech, in and of itself, is subjective. Having said the words alone is not enough to be convicted. The prosecutor must prove you intended to terrorize, harm, intimidate or disrupt the government.

Scenarios that may amount to a terroristic threat include:
 

• Causing the evacuation of a building or facility,

• Causing a serious public inconvenience, and

• Committing a crime of violence with the intention of terrorizing another human being.
   

All these can have serious consequences.

A Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney will first determine whether you are facing a first-degree misdemeanor or third-degree felony charge. Often, if you made a threat to one person, the offense will be considered a misdemeanor. However, if the threat caused a group of people to feel terrorized or harmed, you are probably facing a felony. 

Defenses to a Terrorist Threat Charge

How to beat a criminal threat charge will depend on the facts and circumstances specific to the case. This is why meeting with a Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney is so important. They will be able to assess the specifics of your case and any potential defenses you may have.

Examples of defenses include:
 

• Statement was made in fun or joking manner;

• Proving there was no intent;

• Proving the statement was not made to the alleged victim; and

• Speech is protected by the First Amendment.
   

Depending on the circumstances, one of these defenses may apply to you.

If you have been accused of making a terroristic threat, do not wait to hire an attorney. It is imperative you get an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney on your side immediately. Whether a statement is considered a terroristic threat is often viewed in the eyes of the alleged victim. Which means it can often come down to a “he said, she said” argument. Dusharm Law can help.

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Disorderly Conduct 

Under Pennsylvania law, a person is guilty of disorderly conduct if they engage in an unlawful manner with the intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm. Even though disorderly conduct in PA is typically a summary offense, you can still face up to 90 days in jail and a $300 fine.

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Defenses to a Crimes Against a Person Charge

Many of these crimes are specific intent crimes. Meaning a person must act with the intent to carry out the crime. A defense of lack of intent may be an option for you. You may also have a justification defense such as self-defense or defense of another (e.g., your child or spouse). 

Other defenses include:

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• Defense of property,

• Coercion,

• Consent, and

• Mental insanity or incapacity.
   

Possible defenses directly depend on what type of crime you have been charged with and the particular facts and circumstances surrounding the case. A Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney will be able to assess your case and identify the best defenses for your situation. 
 

Dusharm Law: We Will Be with You Every Step of the Way

If you have been charged with a crime against a person, we are here for you. We have over 15 years of experience defending people accused of committing all types of crimes. Let us put that experience to work for you. Sometimes the prosecutor’s case is not as strong as it first seems. Our Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney will review your case in great detail to prepare the best possible defense. At Dusharm Law, we understand your freedoms are at stake, and we will work tirelessly to defend them every step of the way. Call or contact us online today to learn more about how we can help you.